Planta Fasciilitis

[Bluebell]

For the past 7 months I have had an evil pain in my foot, which is worse when I get up n the morning, and also when I have rested it, and stand again. Walking any distance is particularly painful, as I discovered when I went to Pargue a few weeks ago.The doctor has given me two courses of Ibuprofen and paracetamol, which haven't helped, and I don't want to keep taking them. He doesn't want to give me an injection, he feels that it will only give partial help, and says that the condition will clear up on its own. Are there any other sufferers out there who have had this condition who could suggest ways that I might be able to lessen the pain, how long can I expect to have this pain, and more encouragingly, will it disappear. M

[Breezy23]

If it is plantar fasciitis, I have had it and it is horrible. Was on holiday and went for a long walk in some old faithful sandals, unfortunately they lacked support and the pain suddenly developed in the arch/heel area. Could hardly get around and it totally spoilt the holiday, however I was very lucky in that it disappeared after about 10 days. Found that the pain was more tolerable wearing trainers which I tied up tightly, this seemed to offer more support. Have you tried swopping footwear, does it help at all?

Took some Indomethacin that I always have handy due to having a dicky back, so perhaps they were a contributing factor.

The pain is really awful and feel for you. I believe that the layers of muscle and sheath literally peel away from each other hence the agonising pain when you stand.

Mine has completely gone, although it did strike briefly again for a day or so, but yes you should get back to normal, lets hope it's very soon.

[EllyD]

When I was suffering - and how !- I was advised by the doctor to get a support to put in my shoe- from the chemist- and it was unbelievable how quickly it cleared up. Fairly pricey mind, about �25 but worth every penny. Hope it works for you Bluebell.

[smudge]

My husband also suffered with this & said the pain was unbearable at times. However, he had a pair of supports made & wore them every day for quite some time. The pains eventually subsided & I'm glad to say he no longer needs to wear them.

[aka estie]

See here: http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Question213390.html

[mtj45]

definitely sounds like plantar fasciitis. its an acute injury to the plantar aponuerosis(a band of muscle like tissue which runs the length of your arch) where it inserts into the heel bone. it is normally caused when someone suddenly increases their activity level or weight i.e. pregnancy. it may also be caused by wearing footwear with poor support and/or cushioning during exercise. Pain killers will help with the pain but do nothing to heal the condition. cortisone injections will probably help needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing. i.e. not your gp. defiitely see a podiatrist (preferably one who specialises in biomechanics or muskuloskeletal problems such as yours.) they SHOULD give you a programme of stretches to be performed daily, massage will also help. you can roll a chilled empty wine bottle under your foot for this. may strap your foot/ankle to relieve the pain short term, may cast your feet to make orthotic devices to correct any biomechanical problems you may have. these may also help with any knee, hip or back pain you might have. if these measures are unsuccesful you can try the injection (although it hurts like hell!) if it continues for an extended period of time there is a surgical procedure to release the plantar fascia but this is relatively rare. the best thing to do is to try and rest as much as possible and always stretch before you get out of bed. hope that helps.

[Bluebell]

Thank you very much for you very helpful information mtj. You're the first one to have ever mentioned exercises. I'm afraid I'm guilty of two things, I only ever wear sandals, as I find wearing shoes much more painful than wearing sandals with this problem. Sandals are probably the worst choice of shoe wear as there is no support to the foot. I'm also carrying more weight than I should, which I see by your notes is also another contributory factor. I have no intention of going down the injection route. A friend had this done last year and he said it hurt like hell!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to get in touch. I have gone onto the web and found some exercises which I shall start doing. I do like your suggestion of the empty wine bottle, drinking the contents of the bottle first adds to the enjoyment!!! I'm very curious, with your knowledge of this type of problem, are you connected with the medical world? I wish I had had more of this information given me when I saw my own GP.
Thank you once again.